Test by Fire

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This book revolves around three closely related questions. First, how did George W. Bush--a wisecracking cutup, mediocre student, failed oil patch entrepreneur and fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard's "Champagne Unit"--become a War President? Did George W. Bush go too far--invading Iraq, abandoning the Geneva Conventions' safeguards for captured prisoners and conducting surveillance over American citizens without court approval--in wielding his powers as War President? It also examines the record of George W. Bush as a War President by exploring the president's key decisions in the war on terror. The book analyzes President Bush's retaliatory action against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, and the preemptive invasion of Iraq as Bush's second test in the crucible of war. Swansbrough assesses President George W. Bush's policies on the "axis of evil" states, extreme intelligence measures, and vision of a democratic Middle East. President Bush's "Righteous Hawk" persona influenced many of his decisions in the war on terror. -- Publisher description This book examines the successes and failures of George W. Bush as a War President. The author critically assesses the administration's key decisions in the war on terror and President Bush's vision of creating a democratic Middle East.